Drink and smoke prices set to soar as taxes rise

TIRANA, January 16 - Prices for alcohol and cigarettes in Albania are expected to go up as the government plans to increase excise taxes.

Currently, spirits with 38% alcohol are taxed at 336.6 leks per liter. Wine taxes depend on the alcohol level and production size. Wine with less than 12.5% alcohol costs 31.4 leks per liter for small producers and 104.8 leks per liter for larger ones.

Stronger wine, above 12.5% alcohol, is taxed at 41.9 leks per liter for small producers and 125.8 leks per liter for larger producers. The government wants to remove the production size rule and have a single rate.

Beer with 4.2% alcohol is taxed at 31.2 leks per liter, while rakia with 40% alcohol costs 83.8 leks per liter. Drinks between 15% and 22% alcohol are taxed at 54.5 leks per liter.

Roasted coffee is taxed at 62.9 leks per kilogram, while unroasted coffee is not taxed. Smokers pay 7,500 leks per 1,000 cigarettes.

Drivers face a fuel tax of 6.3 leks per liter for gas used in cars.

The new taxes are expected to increase prices, affecting everyday costs for Albanian families.